“Right now, it sucks” – Madison Keys heartbroken after semi-final defeat to Sabalenka

After racing to a one-set lead, and having her chances in two tiebreak sets, Madison Keys was understandably hugely disappointed that she was unable to return to the US Open final – losing out to incoming world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5).

Her responses in her post-match press conference were succinct – and she refused to blame anything on what appeared to be a leg injury.

“Everyone at the start of the tournament would obviously be really, really excited to be in the semis,” she admitted after the match. “Right now it sucks. But yeah, I just think being able to, you know, take this and turn it to a positive is really possible. Yeah, there is still a lot to be proud of and still tons of tennis to play this season.”

Keys: I tried to do my best, that’s all you can do

Reflecting on the match itself, she said, “I started really well. I don’t think she was playing her best at the start. Then from the second set, it just, you know, got a lot closer. I was obviously up a break, and I think serving for it I was tight. She played free. Then from there, it just seemed like it was really, you know, kind of neck and neck.

“Overall I actually thought it was a really good match and pretty high level. Just unfortunately on the losing end.”

And she also took time to thank the noisy American fans, adding: “Playing in a stadium full of people that are behind me is always amazing. I definitely tried to leave it all out there tonight and do my best, and that’s all you can do.”

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